Diving into Delhi
Hmmm. Probably our favourite event. I don’t know – they are all amazing, but I (Tom) have always loved India ever since I caught malaria there back in 1993. From the most amazing home in Delhi of the majestic and colonial Maidens Hotel, to exploring the back streets of Old Delhi by bike as the city wakes up; visiting ShikshaRath slum school, and the heading to the foothills of the Himalaya. Exploring the region, enjoying some challenges and then heading in to the mountains, trekking through rhododendron forests and towards the mighty peaks. This just has a bit for everyone.
Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey with Escapaholics India, starting in Delhi with a warm welcome at the iconic Maidens Hotel. Begin with local transport to explore Delhi's sights and enjoy some escapaholic adventures, followed by an evening of welcome drinks and dinner. Cycle through Old Delhi, visit the Shiksharath slum academy, and prepare for the mountains in Mcleod Ganj for relaxation and acclimatization. Enjoy mountain adventures, biking, trekking, and challenging ascents, culminating in a celebratory dinner back in Mcleod Ganj. Finally, return to Delhi for a luxurious stay at Maidens Hotel, wrapping up the escapade with a final dinner and awards ceremony before departing.
What is included
- Ho Chi Minh Airport transfers, transport, tours, and flights to Hue included.
- Ho Chi Minh Airport transfers, transport, tours, and flights to Hue are all covered.
- All sightseeing, tours and entry fees.
- All meals covered, including welcome cocktail, awards dinner, and adventure meals (with rice wine!).
What you need to arrange
- Flights to Ho Chi Min
- Personal trekking and survival kit details provided upon sign-up. Check FAQ for guidance.
- Emergency and cancellation insurance
- Any fund raising that you are able to do to help our good causes.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Delhi to meet up with your fellow escapaholic, with transport (local style) to the iconic Maidens Hotel. Time to relax before heading to see some of the sites of Delhi and a taste of escpaholic escpades.
Evening Welcome drinks and dinner.
Overnight at Maidens
An early start to tour Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) by cycle. A zippy tour as the old city awakes followed by…what else…got curry for breakfast. (Veg option available!)
A visit to our charity, the Shiksharath slum academy, tour of the slums and meet the kids.
Time to relax at the Maidens, prior to heading to the mountains on Day 3.
Arrive at Mcleod Ganj by flight to Dharamsala with transfers and check in to the Hotel. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, some downtime, and a chance to acclimatise to the altitude.
The rest of the day will be spent relaxing, including lunch, and some light escapaholic exercise!
Evening meal, meet our local guides and Q&A Session
Acclimatisation continues. We take a visit and lunch at the Tibetan craft centre and Hindu temple, with general site seeing around Dharamsala to include a little ‘Adrenalin Challenge.’… and a few cheeky escapades….we are, after all, escapaholics.
The start of the Indian escapaholic mountain adventure – bike and trek from Mcleod Ganj (Dalai Lama’s residence) at 2,080m to our first campsite, about a 14 km route.
The trek goes through the pine forests and passes several tribal villages. As well as a general ascent over the course of the day, the route includes a few fun “challenges.”
Overnight camp along the Himalayan snow-fed River Liyund. This is near a village that is the native home of the Gaddi shepherd tribes of Dhouladhair Himalayas, who will be our porters and muleteers.
Kareri village (2,200m) to RV2, Kareri Lake (3,048m) steep uphill route along the Liyund river.
The trail goes through a mixed forest of oak, rhododendron and pine, along old routes used for many centuries by the Gaddi shepherds. As we walk, we climb above the tree line to the foot of the snow capped mountains and the Minkiani Pass.
Activities at Kareri Lake to include briefing for the Day 3 ascent (no escape now), and some fun and games.
Kareri Lake (3,048m) to Minikiani Pass (4,268m)…..and back!
This section can be a challenging ascent towards either the Minkiani Pass using specialist equipment, and depending on the weather.
After reaching the pass (conditions permitting), adventurers will return to the campsite at Kareri Lake.
From Kareri Lake, escapaholics will ‘enjoy’ a knee-jarring descent from the snow fields and through woodlands towards Bugga Valley and past several villages ending back at the Dalai Lama’s residence after a long and satisfying day.
Time to relax and chat and enjoy the serenity of McLeod Ganj, shop, wash, relax and enjoy the view.
Evening dinner and celebratory drinks with our local support team.
Return to Delhi by flight and enjoy the Maidens’ splendour – relax by the pool, or venture into the streets of Delhi.
Celebrations, final dinner and awards ceremony.
Flights home at various times during the day, enjoying Hotel until departure.
